FTC sues Walmart after claiming that it deceptively advertised some of its retail products as 'made from bamboo'

The FTC is accusing Walmart of making false claims about its products being made of bamboo or providing an environmental benefit.

According to the lawsuit, the FTC alleged that Walmart's marketing and sales of its textile fiber products, including towels, bedding, and bras, were deceptive when they said they were made of bamboo.

A type of regenerated or manufactured fiber is called rosy, according to the lawsuit. It is made by mixing it with chemicals and converting it from a plant source into a liquid solution. The chemical solution becomes fibers.

The manufacturing process involves the use of hazardous chemicals and the resulting fiber is not cotton, wood, or bamboo.

Some of the products that the FTC alleges Walmart lied about were displayed in the lawsuit. They include an Ottomanson bamboo luxury bath towel set that lists the fiber content as 100% Bamboo.

The FTC claims that it is not a reason for the retailer to advertise products made from bamboo as being eco-friendly and in harmony with nature.

Walmart did not respond immediately to Insider's request for comment.

The retailer was warned by the FTC over its improper labeling but didn't take any action. In 2010, the FTC sent a letter explaining that the termbamboo can only be used in labeling or advertising textile products made from fibers directly taken from the bamboo plant.

According to the lawsuit, Walmart was told that it must describe the material in its products. Walmart engaged in unlawful acts and practices repeatedly over a period of at least five years.

Walmart has been involved in a number of lawsuits over the past year. A South Carolina jury ordered a retailer to pay $10 million to a woman who lost part of her leg after stepping on a rusty nail while shopping.

In March, Walmart filed a lawsuit over self-checkout technology.